Reported crime in August was marginally down when compared with last year. This was mainly due to a reduction in the number of some motor vehicle crimes (4 vehicles stolen, and contents stolen from 17). However, incidents of criminal damage to cars have increased, probably due to the police encouraging victims to report crimes of this type, and there was a slight increase in burglaries and thefts of pedal cycles. The August crime figures are attached.

MET POLICE COMMISSIONER

At his road show event at Ealing Town Hall earlier this month, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the head of the Metropolitan Police, re-affirmed the Met's commitment to neighbourhood policing and the value they place on the involvement of the public through membership of active Neighbourhood Watch Schemes. How all this will look after the proposed cuts in police funding are implemented, remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain, and that is that NW will remain a vital element of the fight against crime.

SMARTWATER

Please see the attached letter from our Dedicated Ward Officer, PC Simon Cole. SmartWater is being distributed, free of charge, across London to households in areas of high risk of burglary. Although Southfield does not fall into this category, Ealing Council is making some SmartWater kits available for residents in Southfield. If you would like to take up this offer, please email me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I will make the necessary arrangements with PC Cole. For more information about SmartWater visit: http://www.smartwater.com/property-marking.

After a couple of months when overall reported crime in Southfield has been higher than for the same months in 2014, I am glad to be able to report that the July figures show an 8% decrease on those for July last year.